NOTRE DAME, JACKSON, CENTRAL GOLFERS LOOKING FOR STATE SUCCESS

Notre Dame and Jackson will be looking to make noise as a team while Cape Girardeau Central's Dane McLaird hopes to do the same individually when the Missouri State High School Golf Championships are contested today and Tuesday.

Notre Dame will compete in the Class 2A meet in Columbia while Jackson and Cape Central's McLaird will take part in the Class 4A meet that will be played in Sedalia because its normal course site in Columbia is being worked on.

The Bulldogs of Notre Dame earned a trip to state for a second consecutive year by finishing second in last Monday's district meet in Farmington. The Bulldogs edged out St. Pius for the second state qualifying spot.

Dan Buerck paced Notre Dame with an 80 while Jonathan LeGrand and Chris Koepper each shot 82s. Matt Howard and Chris Seratti tied for the team's fourth score at 91.

"Our kids really wanted it," said Notre Dame coach Chris Janet of his team's district performance. "Four of our five kids played at state last year. That experience will hopefully pay off this week."

Meanwhile, Jackson will be making another trip to state -- but as a district champion for the first time.

The Indians, after three second-place finishes, won its first-ever district title last Tuesday in Farmington. Jackson had a score of 310 to beat out runner-up Sikeston (317), which also qualified for state.

Jackson had four players finish among the top 10 at the district meet, led by Travis Reiminger, who placed second with a 76. Gabe Estes took fourth with a 77, John Litz fifth with a 78 and Tyler Luebbers ninth with a 79.

Indians' coach Ron Cook believes his team has its best chance ever to make some noise at the state level.

"I feel like this is our best chance," he said. "Last year didn't do well at all but our primary players are back so I look for better results.

"This is the best team overall we've had. We don't have any real dominant player, but at different times all of our players have led us. If they all play pretty well these two days we might be able to do something as a team."

Cape Central's McLaird earned a trip to state as the medalist of the district with a low score of 75.

"Dane played very well at the district and hopefully he'll continue that at state," said Cape Central coach Dick Wadlington.